🔗 Share this article

HBO's Welcome to Derry contains numerous nods to Stephen King's wide-ranging library of stories. Apart from the obvious ties to the original story, the series includes a direct connection to The Shining via the appearance of the youthful Dick Hallorann. Now, as the story unfolds, Welcome to Derry is integrating another classic tale from King that deserves another look.

The Powerful Tale of The Shawshank Redemption

Although The Shawshank Redemption may not be classified as a horror film, especially compared to much of the author's additional work, it is a gripping story about an wrongfully convicted man sentenced to live the rest of his life inside a notorious penitentiary. It is that very institution that becomes central here, since the Shawshank facility possesses considerable history across King's fictional world — a pattern that continues within Welcome to Derry.

Some of the stories that reference the prison include Dolores Claiborne, Needful Things, Apt Pupil, 11/22/63, as well as It. Via these narratives, we learn about the terrible conditions inside Shawshank State Prison and several of the inmates there, such as the boyfriend of one belonging to Pennywise's initial targets, who had been found guilty of armed robbery.

So far, however, the most we've learned about the prison was through the eyes of Andy Dufresne in The Shawshank Redemption, portrayed by the actor Tim Robbins in that 1994 film. The character Andy ends up at the prison after his wrongful conviction, and finds himself assaulted and raped by other prisoners, while taken advantage of by the officials in power due to his expertise in finance. He requires nearly three decades to tunnel an escape route of the prison, prior to crawling "through a river of shit" to reclaim his liberty.

The Prison's Role in Welcome to Derry

Regarding the series, audiences initially discovered about the prison's involvement from an early trailer for the series, where a prison bus was seen bearing the title painted on the side. During the second episode, it is revealed who is likely headed to the prison.

Although we know he did not responsible for the murders of children initially, the character Hank Grogan (played by Stephen Rider), father of Ronnie (Amanda Christine), is arrested for the crimes. A teaser for episode 3, "the upcoming installment," shows a guard telling Hank in his cell, "Do you know what they do to kiddie killers at that prison?"

The Implications for the Character and His Daughter

Given that the real killer in Derry is a primordial entity originating elsewhere preying on and murdering children, Hank's chances of clearing his name do not look good. Even should he does go in the prison and viewers don't follow him there, knowing what we do regarding Shawshank indicates that his experience would be far from enjoyable.

Crucially, though, this situation could threaten Ronnie. He acts as her protector. Terrible events are happening in the town that nobody, young or old, comprehends and Ronnie just has her new group of friends to rely on. She's going to need her father as the story progresses, however should the prison system plays a role, she may be without help.

A single fact is apparent: Hank doesn’t have three decades to dig his way out.

---

It: Welcome to Derry the first two episodes are streaming now via the streaming service. Additional installments are released each week each Sunday.